Presentation: The Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Research and Development Centre (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu RDC) located in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec opened in 1912. It is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) network of 20 research and development centres. The Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu RDC helps the Canadian horticultural sector to stay competitive and sustainable by developing new knowledge and technologies in the field of horticultural crop protection, while taking a biovigilance and precision agriculture approach. The Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu RDC carries out innovative research, development, technology and knowledge transfer activities in support of the AAFC's Strategic Plan for Science, which include:
1. Addressing threats to the value chain – Horticulture crop pest biovigilance : Early detection, monitoring and characterization of bio-aggressors in spatial, temporal and quantitative terms in order to assess the risk they pose. Use of detection, quantification and forecasting tools to anticipate problems and develop crop protection strategies.
2. Increasing agricultural productivity and enhancing environmental performance – Precision Agriculture: Using information derived from technology to make decisions. Use of high-spatial-density and temporal data, including climate and remote sensing data. Precision and input management to optimize activities in a mosaic of diverse and intensive horticultural crops.
